Trinidad and Tobago has captivated global audiences at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Global Trinidad and Tobago has been facilitating the country’s vibrant and unique film industry, music, and culture to international audiences led by T&T’s Film Commissioner Leslie Ann Wills-Caton and Global Trinidad and Tobago’s Music Division General Manager Melissa Jimenez.They will continue to promote their respective sectors for the duration of the Expo, ending in October 2025.
The Film Commission hosted a workshop space and screened local films that attracted over 250 attendees. A key feature has been the screening of the local steel pan film Panazz, which tells the story of the steel pan’s pioneers and its global impact. This event coincided with World Steelpan Day on August 11.
Participation in this event fits with Global Trinidad and Tobago’s strategy to promote the nation’s culture as a driver of trade and economic growth. The organisation’s mission is to make Trinidad and Tobago a recognised cultural and economic hub.
T&T Film Commissioner Leslie Ann Wills-Caton said, “The positive response to our film screenings highlights the strength of our audiovisual storytelling. The film Panazz connects audiences to Trinidad and Tobago’s creative industries and shows how audiovisual content can drive trade and investment opportunities for the country.”
MusicTT GM Melissa Jimenez added, “The World Expo 2025 gives us a chance to share Trinidad and Tobago’s steel pan music and cultural stories on a global stage. We aim to build appreciation for our heritage that supports economic opportunities.”
Sekou Alleyne, CEO of Global Trinidad and Tobago, commented, “The World Expo 2025 is an opportunity to highlight our nation’s creativity through cultural engagement, showcasing the unique talents and distinctive stories of Trinidad and Tobago. Our participation also aims to promote trade and attract investment that will support the continued development of our country’s Orange Economy and by extension, many supplemental and related industries poised for growth.”
The World Expo 2025 is a large international event held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, on
Yumeshima Island in Osaka, Japan. It brings together countries and organisations from around the world to showcase innovations, culture, and ideas under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” The Expo features exhibits and pavilions focusing on creating a sustainable and inclusive future through subthemes such as Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives.
It provides a platform for cultural exchange, technological advancements, and global collaboration, attracting millions of visitors and fostering opportunities for trade, investment, and international cooperation.
Panazz: The Story is a documentary about the Trinidadian jazz steelpan ensemble Panazz, formed in 1992. The film chronicles their rise from Pan Ramajay champions to international performers, highlighting their innovative fusion of jazz and steelpan music and their role in popularizing the steelpan globally. Directed by Adam Bartholomew and produced with support from co-founder Barry Bartholomew, the documentary celebrates the cultural significance of Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument and ties into World Steelpan Day, showcasing the ensemble’s impact on the country’s musical heritage and creative economy.
